Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps v Crystal Palace

19 July 2016

INTRO

Palace's summer tour comes to an end with a first ever visit to Canada to play one of the nation's most famous names - Vancouver Whitecaps.

This evening's game takes place at BC Place against a side who are flying high in MLS' Western Conference, with a record of eight wins and five draws from 21 games leaving them in fifth position but in a play-off place.

It will be Palace's third game in six days as Alan Pardew continues to assess his squad as they get up to speed, with the Premier League campaign now only 25 days away.

OPPOSITION VIEW

Whitecaps boss Carl Robinson: "It's a great opportunity for the guys to pit themselves against some top-class players. These guys get to watch, very early on Saturday mornings, these players play in the Premier League. To be able to step on the field against them and show what they can do is every young player's dream.

"Every player wants to be involved in that game. We're looking forward to it. We'll give Alan's team a good test."

PALACE TEAM NEWS

Having been left out of contention for the game against FC Cincinnati, Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie could see some action against the Whitecaps.

James McArthur has been struggling with a knee knock and is doubtful, and Wilfried Zaha also picked up an injury in the Cincinnati game and won't feature against Vancouver.

WHITECAPS - LAST TIME OUT

16th July 2016

Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 Orlando City

Major League Soccer

Orlando took the lead in the 14th minute when former Arsenal and Real Madrid attacker Julio Baptiste opened the scoring from the edge of the area, but headers from Nicolas Mezquida and Masato Kudo put Carl Robinson's outfit ahead at the break.

However five minutes after the restart Orlando levelled things up again when Canadian Cyle Larin nodded in Kevin Molino's cross, but only a woeful penalty miss by Baptiste which saw him sky the ball over the bar, and some great goalkeeping by Kyle Ousted prevented the visitors from the three points.

ONES TO WATCH

Captain Pedro Morales is one of Vancouver’s star men, having been at the club since 2014 and currently leads their scoring charts with seven goals.

A recent arrival is ex-Newcastle United defender David Edgar who should make his debut in this game, and summer singing Christian Bolanos played for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup.

Left-back Jordan Harvey has made more MLS appearances for the Whitecaps than anyone in their history.

15-year-old Alphonso Davies made his debut against Orlando City on Sunday as a substitute - the third youngest player in MLS history.

TICKETS

UK and US residents can purchase tickets from here – enter the code “CPAWAY” to ensure that you are sat in blocks 218 and 219 with the other away fans.

FANZONE

If you're heading to the game, don't forget to check out the CPFC fanzone outside the ground where there will be the chance to meet some Palace stars, pick up some freebies and purchase official Palace merchandise!

It is open from 6pm PDT outside BC Place - for more information click here.

LIVE COVERAGE

There will be love coverage of the game on our Twitter account - @CPFC